Copy of From The Resa

No Wrong Answers

Gary M

I want to share a dream I had a while ago.

I was sitting at a long table in a conference room with a small number of people standing around the room attending to their own matters. I was informed I needed to take a written test and was happy to give it my best shot.

Once handed the test, I quickly skimmed the 4 or 5 pages and saw it was all multiple choice, with 4-5 answers below each question. I decided to quickly read through the questions and answer the ones I was sure about first. That would give me extra time on any difficult questions. This is where it got interesting.

Question 1 was followed by 4 correct answers, not the same answers but all referring to different aspects of the question. And I noticed there was no choice of “all of the above.” How to choose?

I thought that odd, so quickly moved to question 2. Same result. In fact, all the questions were followed by correct answers only.

So I began to panic a bit.

I looked the questions and answers over again, thinking maybe there was some clue, some pattern or code I was overlooking that would point to the correct answer.

Nothing.

I wasn’t aware if this was a timed test but knew I had now spent a considerable amount of time without answering a single question.

Now panic grabbed a little harder. I looked around the room and noticed no one was paying me the slightest attention and I was the only one taking the test.

My growing panic was finally broken by waking up in bed.

I closed my eyes again, vividly remembering the dream and the anxiety I felt. I tried to pull back and look at it from a better viewpoint. The first thought was maybe this was just a stress test, but my heart told me it was more than that.

Finally, the Inner Master said, “Sometimes there are no wrong answers.”

This certainly put a new perspective on the dream, and in continuing contemplations about this particular dream I started wondering if there was more than one interpretation! I finally settled on it being a test about freedom and how the ECK gives us the freedom to shape our own lives, to make our own choices and learn from the consequences of those choices.

There Are No Accidents

Judy S

I had a front tooth accidentally break off, and I was crushed. It was shocking that it broke when I was only eating a sandwich! To see this tooth gone when I looked in the mirror was humiliating, so I wanted a dental appointment right away. Unfortunately, I had to find a new dentist because mine had retired.

I checked with my Medicare provider to see if they would pay for the procedure, and who they would allow me to see. They gave me several names, but the first one on the list was not taking new patients. So I decided I should turn this over to the ECK. And, after I did my HU's, I called another dentist. I was able to get in to see him right away.

My appointment turned out to be a blessing from the ECK. The first person to see me was the dental assistant, a young girl maybe in her mid-20's. She performed the usual procedures, such as finding out why I was there, taking an X-ray, filling out a form with questions about my medical history. As we were reviewing my history, I mentioned that I was feeling great this year, but that last year had brought a lot of challenges and even included a near-death experience.

She then got very excited and, to my surprise, said that she had died, too! She wanted to know more and asked, "What did you see?"

I was caught off-guard and didn't want to impose my beliefs on her, not knowing if she had strong beliefs in Christianity or some other religion. So I quickly asked the Mahanta, "What should I say?"

I was then led to answer kindly and simply, "It was special for me. But I don't want to offend you with my beliefs. They may be different than yours."

She smiled and again said something I was not expecting, "Oh, you would be surprised at what I believe!"

I said, "Really! What did you see? Did you see colors or hear sounds?"

She said, "I didn't see colors. But I was above looking at my body and could hear people saying, 'breathe, just breathe'. It was so full of love and peace that I hesitated. But then I took a deep breath. It was great!"

I smiled and said, "Yes. It's love, and you made a choice to stay."

Again she asked about my experience. I chose to mention only the colors that I had seen and how they were important to me. I commented that I also dream in color and, to me, colors represent different levels of consciousness. I added that I felt love, like she had done, during my near-death experience in the emergency room.

She was thrilled and said, "I wish I had dreamed in color!"

We then had to end our conversation quickly because the dentist came in. From that point on, my positive experience at this office went away. The dentist wasn't willing to help as much as I had hoped, and I had problems with the insurance coverage. So I didn't go back to this dentist and, in time, got an appointment with another one.

It became obvious to me that the Mahanta had set up this golden opportunity for me to share a significant spiritual experience with someone who needed it. I had been given the privilege to be a channel for the ECK in an unexpected place. After all, why would I accidentally break a tooth eating a soft sandwich? And, how unlikely is it that a person so young would have a near-death experience?

Afterwards, I was thinking that if the Mahanta sees the need, this young dental assistant and I might run into each other again. I think she would be very comfortable talking to me in more detail about her experience and I would certainly be willing to talk to her at any time.

I also realized that this incident was a personal gift for me, in keeping with my pledge to serve the Mahanta. The greatest gift for me is being a channel for the ECK. I am reminded that there are no accidents when I willingly serve as a co-worker with the Divine.

ECK Around the House

Jan B

A person who lives in the holiness of the moment is always looking for the potential of whatever that moment may bring. Always.
As soul, you owe yourself the experience of going out in life and getting the richest, fullest experiences you can.

—Sri Harold Klemp, Touching the Face of God, p. 12

Early on in my ECK years, I knew I wanted the richest, fullest experiences in life. I knew I wanted to "live a spiritual life." How that looks in my life now is very visual: in the living room of our ECK home, there is a remarkable ECK poster called "The Light of God;" in the hallway there are 10 framed pictures of ECK Masters; we keep an ECK perpetual calendar open to today's ECK quote. One can see "HU" and "ECK" in various spots in our home. These artful visuals continually keep us mindful of being surrounded by God's Light and Sound and remind us that we can "live in the holiness of the moment."

On a lovely Saturday in September, we greeted some special guests to our home. Our niece (who is a grandmother to 12 youngsters) brought three of her granddaughters to visit, ages 7, 9, and 12. Their visit had a specific purpose. Their mission: they wanted to sew with Aunt Jan. They arrived with their own ideas and spiral notebooks full of illustrations of the high-fashion clothes they dream of making one day.

But before they could sew, they needed a snack, and they wanted to see the back yard. They made their way around our house full of books and paintings and writings and quilts and plants. They were quite observant and very energetic. One of them was also curious.

When we made our way to my studio upstairs, I wondered how I could teach them to sew, and I silently sang a little inner HU for guidance from the MAHANTA. In no time, we were looking through a box of assorted fabrics that were cut in 2.5-inch squares. I gave each girl a stack of the squares and her own place to work on the design wall (something like a flannel board that quilters use). After showing them how to arrange a nine-patch quilt block, and a warm Saturday went by, the two older girls pieced their blocks together with the sewing machine they were learning to use. The youngest allowed me to stitch her blocks, and she looks forward to a time when she is older to learn to use the sewing machine. By the end of our time together, each of them finished a small quilt, about 24 inches square, to take home to Kansas City. Not only that, but we also had time for a long walk, a stroll in the downtown park, ice cream treats from Uncle Blake, and a night of sweet dreams.  There was a lot of love and fun.

The 12-year-old was the one most taken with sewing. And she asked a lot of questions. She wondered, "Why do you have the word 'gratitude' beside your sewing machine?" I told her how my heart feels when I am grateful, and that helps me put love into my work. Another time she talked about some incidents at her school and how sometimes she worries and feels afraid. That's when I told her about the HU. The other girls had gone to the backyard to run around, and we were still sewing upstairs.  I told her how the HU is an ancient name for God and that anyone can sing HU when they are happy or sad or worried or scared. And when I sing HU and then listen, I can hear the voice of God. She said, "Oh is that why you have HU all around your house?"

"Yes." Then I showed her how I sing the HU and told her that she too can sing HU whenever she likes.

After they left, as Blake and I were talking, he mentioned that this same child had asked him, "Why do you have 'ECK' around your house?" "Who are those guys in the hallway?" (The ECK Master photos). "Is blue your favorite color???"

So, what this tells me about being a Vahana and sharing the ECK with those we love, is that by simply being ourselves¾by living our truth, by opening our hearts and our home to some young kinfolk, and by answering a few curiosities¾we can always be a channel for God's Divine Love. It is our choice and our destiny as Soul. It is also sacred ground and calls for discrimination: these are children.

One observation I made for myself is that all three of the girls plus one adult came to the same experience, but only one was curious enough to notice these sacred symbols. No judgement¾just observation. I wonder, what can that tell us as ECK Vahanas about the efforts we make???

Some days it is easy to be a Vahana "to live in the holiness of the moment." For that experience, I am ever grateful.

Riding the Waves of Grief

The celestial surfboard that is love

Joe M

(Written as a step in grief recovery due to the loss of his wife, this article is included in the training manual for the hospice facility where Joe now volunteers)

Grieving is Soul at play, or more specifically, Soul surfing. As Soul, we ride the waves of grief among its crests and valleys. We immerse ourselves in the thrill of it, and rejoice in the immensity of love crashing in upon us, as well as the overwhelming emotional pain that consumes us. We are tossed like ragdolls from our celestial surfboards, gasping for air as we try to survive the pounding surf, all the while learning to let go of fear.

Eventually, we become surfing champions, able to ride the waves to shore. We grow stronger, having gained the knowledge and understanding of what love is. It becomes apparent to us we need to pass that love unto others. We all become grief counselors.

Grief is another powerful step for us as Souls in becoming spiritual masters. Grief helps us learn the immense power and depth of divine love. It is incumbent upon us to share this knowledge. It is the reason why we exist.

Service and Thy Will Be Done

Aryd'ell H

In Eckankar, two attributes have become very important to me: Service, and Thy Will Be Done.

The lessons in Eckankar helped me understand that Souls each have their own journey, and while I can assist, if asked, it is not my job to "fix everything." What a relief!

Since my husband and I moved to an area totally new to us, the usual ways of giving had to change. Previously, I was able to give service to the ECK community as needed, and also give to the community at large through managing the Friends of the Library Used Bookstore, as well as serving in a position on the Friends board.

After a couple of years settling in, I felt ready to give to our new community. There is a Friends bookstore here, but it never felt right for volunteering. The same happened with the Humane Society thrift store. I've learned to listen to those feelings, as it usually means there is another path I am meant to follow.

A few weeks ago, the Ozark Festival was held downtown, and I walked through the vendors, enjoying the sight of happy families enjoying the autumn day. One booth in particular caught my eye, the Margie's Haven House Shelter, a safe place for those who've experienced domestic violence and need a safe place to stay.

Walking over, the two people in charge and I had a long conversation about their goals. Before I left, I signed up to help a child staying at the shelter receive a gift this Christmas.

A few days later, a letter with the child's wish list, as well as a "needs" list, came in the mail. The wish list contained some items I didn't feel comfortable giving: items for hunting that could possibly be used as weapons. Calling the shelter number, the woman and I were able to figure out what I could donate, that was comfortable for me, and wouldn't be seen as a weapon.

The woman then asked me about being on the board for the shelter, saying there was a 6-pointed star next to my name, and that meant I was interested in being on the board. Hmm, 6-pointed star, eh?

That surprised me, as I knew nothing about it. I said I would contemplate over the weekend and let her know the following week. She mentioned I could visit the next board meeting, as a guest, if I wished.

After much contemplation and getting a strong feeling that this was the right choice, I went to the meeting, and felt right at home with the people there. They accepted me onto the board, and so I have found my community service outlook.

Often, we might think of being a Vahana as only promoting ECKANKAR, but being a channel for the ECK, and being of service wherever It leads, is just as important to me. I'm looking forward to working with this group of Souls, to bring the ECK energy in whatever way it tells me.

Sharing Love and a Kite

Ann H

Here is a story about one of my recent life experiences. An ECKist thought it sounded like a Vahana story, but I hadn't thought of it in that "light." It was just me trying to be present in a positive way.

In serving the ECK, I feel more capable in the background, helping in other ways.  But, as I have "matured" in life and attitude, I have gained confidence in both the ECK and myself.  Nowadays I simply try to watch for those inner nudges that tell me it's time for me to step up.

Sooo-with that background, let's come up to the past 6 months or so. My husband, Price, has been living with Parkinson's for over 26 years.  While he has had tremendous success living with his health challenges, the decision was made to find a facility that could provide the care he needs now.

There was a LOT of HUing going on around our house during those months while I researched options and even tried a couple of places that just weren't right for us. More HUing. Then the nudge came to check with a facility in Calico Rock, which is still owned by a family I've known and been very close to for over 60 years. Long story short, we ultimately were able to secure a bed for Price with them.

If any of you here today have encountered a similar situation, or even simply visited someone in a nursing home-I think it's a very unique and sometimes challenging environment. Although many of the residents share commonalities, they still require individual care and compassion. It takes a special kind of aptitude and attitude to do that work, day after day.

As Price's spouse, I've been very involved in his health care over the years. With our other facility experiences, I was determined that this new situation would have my utmost attention.  When he first moved in, I told staff I'd be hanging around quite a bit because I wanted to be there for him and also help them if questions arose regarding his history or care. That news was met with something less than optimism-definitely some side-eye glances. What would my "involvement" be for them?

I knew that I had to be an effective partner with those aides and nurses so that Price could have the best quality of care.  So, every day they have seen me come in, smiling and greeting staff; bringing Price fruit; helping him at mealtimes. They now seem to have decided that I am no threat. I'm just there because of my love for Price and I want to help them however I can. Because I have been there, I have witnessed the respect and actual affection he has received-and it is mirrored.

Now I am often welcomed with a story about something funny or surprising Price has said or done. One nurse even called me one evening after a fairly exciting health day, to update with Price's latest vitals. She was still chuckling over a conversation she'd had with him. I've had other calls, too, and each time they seem to feel comfortable telling me about whatever is going on at the moment. They know by now that I'm usually not too excitable during those conversations.

Recently, on a warm and windy day, I thought to grab our kite box to take with me. There's a large open field out in front of the facility, across from the big front porch where the residents often gather on fine days. I wheeled Price out to the edge of the parking lot nearest me and broke out a brand-new kite. It took off with very little encouragement. Then one of the nurses came over; he was coming back from lunch. He said "Oh, this is a perfect day for flying kites! I bet it's been a decade since I flew a kite!" I offered him the kite reel. At first he demurred, but then said he thought it'd be a good idea. He took some steps away from us and that kite took off, much to his and our audience's delight. A small crowd of residents had gathered and were applauding and shouting encouragements. He probably flew the kite for 5-10 minutes, then brought it back to me. As he handed it over, he said, "Thank you. I really, really needed this. It's been a rough day, and it's only half over." In my book, this was "Divine Intervention."

So, this is me, trying to live as balanced as I can in this situation. As for this being a Vahana story-I pulled out my dictionary and looked up "Vahana": Vehicle, carrier of ECK or the message of ECK; the ECK missionary. I read that a few times, and smiled as I dropped the book into my HU tote bag I received from my mother, the one I carry almost every day when I go to see Price. So far, nobody has asked me what "HU" means. But, I'm ready if they do.

Little Libraries

Judy S

I attended last year's Chela Conference in Harrison. One of the ECK leaders was asking folks to take home ECK books that the RESA had brought to give away, and she asked me if I would do that. I said, "No, I don't go anywhere anymore. And there is another Vahana in Mountain Home who always puts them in the library." She then suggested that sometimes there are little boxes placed around in towns for give-away books, and I again said, "No, we don't have them."

Then a thought came to my mind. I could see if there were any in Yellville since I was going through there anyway. So, I took the books with me. That was a Saturday.

Then on Tuesday, I was looking at the local newspaper, and on the FRONT PAGE, not one, but two Little Libraries were opened in our parks. I laughed and knew that the Mahanta set that up. I called the ECK leader and told her, "Thank you."

My Mountain Home Vahana friend is always giving me ECK books to share, and now I take them to the two give-away boxes in the two parks. I've found one more way of being a channel for the ECK.

The Masseuse Who Had Questions

Karen M

Vahana activity can happen wherever, whenever Spirit leads us. I told Spirit at the beginning of my ECK adventure I would go wherever Spirit needed me, no matter what, with no limitations!

I started having some serious health issues 10 years ago. One aspect that has really comforted me during my journey is the loving, caring, amazing Souls the ECK placed along my path, and the opportunities the ECK gives me to be a Vahana vehicle.

My oncologist recently gifted me a few massages to assist my recovery. I immediately had a great rapport with my masseuse, and we talked a great deal during my two appointments. After reviewing my medical history, she posed some questions.

She asked if I was ever scared or angry. I replied, "No, my mantra has always been 'Thy Will Be Done'." I added that I knew whatever occurred in my life happened for my spiritual growth and unfoldment. I also told her about how singing "HU" helped me connect to my higher self, understand my purpose, and just go with the flow to accept the next step.

She then asked what my religion was. I told her briefly about Eckankar, the gift of our inner guides, and how they helped me understand the lessons I needed for spiritual growth.

She mentioned Jesus and asked how he fit with my beliefs. I told her I believed there have been many spiritual teachers and paths to the mountain top throughout time.

She then said I sounded just like her husband, and asked what I would do if my husband had different spiritual beliefs? I replied I thought that would be a great challenge, but I would need to accept the difference. I advised it's not my belief that Sugmad (God) would want us to abandon a loving, respectful marriage with beautiful children over a difference in labels or semantics. It felt like that allowed her to really take a deep breath.

She then mentioned she was dealing with this in her marriage. Her mother is a devout Christian and taught her there were good people and then there were GOOD people. People could be generous and loving, "people like Oprah for instance," but if you didn't believe in Jesus, you weren't really GOOD. I mentioned again I believed there are many paths to the top of the mountain.

This dear, beautiful Soul told me she appreciated all the thoughts and ideas I had shared with her. Clearly the Mahanta had been there before I arrived!

Medical Hero

Karen M

I am so grateful for my medical journey over the last 10 years and the gifts and lessons in Vahana work it brought me. I had an extraordinary amount of love and support from a variety of health care providers, sharing life-changing experiences with many of them. They were very open hearted with me as the ECK gave me the ability to take each day and experience as a gift from Spirit. They supported me with so much care and love, it felt like a new family, my "healing family."

Following an inner nudge, I recently dropped by the radiation clinic where I had 3 extended rounds of radiation. As I entered the clinic, I told them I was just there to give them a huge thank you for all their endless TLC. They told me I couldn't leave until my doctor could join us. Much to my surprise, for the next 20 minutes nearly every employee walked to the lobby to see me. The love and joy we shared was a wonder to behold.

Before my last series of radiation, all the doctors familiar with my case gathered on a conference call. The majority were ready to send me to Little Rock for a risky chemo bomb and an extended hospital stay. My radiologist stressed he felt very confident he could help me and suggested 10 more radiation treatments. He was very sure of the dose I needed and exactly where to focus. He was right, and I believe to this day he was open to and received inner guidance.

After seeing all the office people, nurses, and technicians at the clinic, the doctor came to the lobby. He has a huge empathetic heart, is very humble and a bit on the reserved side. He did a double take and broke into a huge grin when he saw me, and he was happy to see I was doing so well. He graciously allowed me to give him a huge hug. I let him know he was my hero back on that conference call . . . I really felt he had listened to the Mahanta and helped me dodge a bullet!

As I was leaving, they all thanked me for stopping in. To see a patient doing so well was a gift they cherished. I quietly thanked the ECK for letting me see the open, loving hearts of my healing family again.

Although my medical providers, family, friends, and I all played roles in my last 10 years, I know beyond any doubt that this day was just another beautiful little ECK miracle.